SAN DIEGO, July 26 -- Ryan Gosling is officially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe after Marvel Studios confirmed at San Diego Comic-Con that he'll play Ghost Rider in a standalone film directed by Shawn Levy.

The announcement came during Marvel Studios' Hall H presentation, with Variety reporting that the film is slated for release in 2028.

The project marks Gosling's long-rumoured entry into the superhero franchise and his first outing as the Spirit of Vengeance.

Levy took to the stage alongside Gosling and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige to unveil the project.

"I'm having the greatest flashback vibes here, because I was here two years ago when we showed Deadpool & Wolverine," Levy told the Comic-Con crowd.

"I'll never for...